15 Must-Know Tips for Renting a Scooter in Thailand

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1. Most Travelers Rent a 125cc Scooter

In Thailand, you’ll hear “scooter” and “motorbike” used interchangeably, and I’ll do the same in this post. It’s a small detail, but it helps to know this so you’re not confused when chatting with locals or rental shops.

While you’ll come across a range of scooters from 110cc to 160cc, most travelers (myself included) opt for the 125cc. It’s a sweet spot for fuel efficiency and power, especially if you’re tackling hills. 

I’ve tried 125cc and 150cc – the latter definitely has an edge on steeper inclines, but you’ll want to be more confident with riding a scooter before choosing a more powerful bike.

2. Know Thailand’s Requirements for Driving a Scooter

Legally, you’re supposed to have an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) with a motorcycle designation or a Thai motorcycle license to ride a scooter here. Most travelers don’t.

There’s a common myth that rental shops don’t check, so it must not matter—but that’s a mistake. While it’s true that many rental shops won’t ask for your license, Thai police absolutely will.

I learned the hard way after getting fined multiple times at those infamous checkpoints in Chiang Mai (500 baht a pop).

More importantly, your travel insurance likely won’t cover you in case of an accident without the correct license.

That’s what finally pushed me to get my motorcycle license since I mainly get around by scooter while living in Chiang Mai.

👉 I use this travel insurance, which covers my medical coverage in the event of a motorbike accident, as long as I am appropriately licensed for the area I’m driving in (in Thailand, that’s an International Driver’s Permit validated for motorcycles) and am wearing proper safety gear such as a helmet. 

3. Choose a Reliable Motorbike Rental Shop

Don’t just walk into the first shop you see. 

Do some digging online for recent reviews on Google and Facebook to avoid potential headaches. 

You’re not just looking for the best price – you’re also looking for bikes that don’t charge for every scratch and keep their bikes well-maintained.

4. Choose Your Bike

A good scooter rental shop will ask about your riding plans to recommend the right scooter. 

Always opt for a newer model if possible, but if you’re like me and want to avoid fuss over scratches, ask for a bike that already has some. 

Don’t forget to check the essentials like tires and mirrors. A cell phone holder can be a game-changer for navigation – I always ask to borrow one from the shop if they have any.

5. Negotiate the Price

Everything’s negotiable in Thailand, but your price may vary based on the season and demand. 

Depending on where you’re renting the scooter and what the current demand is, you’ll probably pay about 150-350 baht per day to rent a scooter in Thailand. The longer your rental period, the more haggling you can do.

I’ve managed to get my Thailand motorbike rental down to less than 100 baht per day for long-term rentals by negotiating. 

Remember, a few dollars less for you can mean a lot for local businesses, so keep it fair. And don’t be a jerk – you can haggle while being polite.

6. Finalize the Rental

You’ll likely need to fill out a form, pay upfront in cash, and leave a cash deposit. 

I always opt for the cash deposit over leaving my passport – nobody holds onto my passport besides me! 

The cash deposit is usually between 1,000-5,000 baht, depending on how long you’re renting.

Clarify the insurance coverage for the bike with the shop to avoid surprises—many shops insure the bikes in case of damage, but not the rider.

7. Save the Shop’s Contact Info on Your Phone

This is crucial. If anything goes wrong, you need to be able to reach your rental shop quickly. 

I had to do this when a friend’s bike broke down many miles from Chiang Mai, and having the shop’s contact saved us a lot of trouble. 

They were able to speak directly to the local mechanic and coordinate the repair. We were back on the road an hour later.

8. Inspect the Scooter and Document Its Condition

Always, always take photos and videos of the scooter before leaving the shop. 

This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage. Also, note the gas level to return it as received.

I’ve heard countless stories from travelers who rent a scooter in Thailand about how they had to pay for damage that was already on the bike (another reason to research the best shops).

9. Wear a Full-Face Helmet

Wearing a helmet when riding a scooter in Thailand is legally required and just plain smart. It can be a literal lifesaver.

But I recommend you go a step further and wear a full-face helmet. 

I met a traveler with a huge leg scar from a motorbike accident in Thailand. He credited his full-face helmet with saving all his teeth in an accident. Now, I’ll never ride a scooter without one.

If the rental shop doesn’t offer full-face helmets, consider buying one.

10. First Timers: Practice Somewhere Quiet

Should you rent a motorbike in Thailand if you’ve never ridden one before? Probably not. But a lot of travelers do it (myself included). 

If you’re new to riding, please practice somewhere quiet before driving in traffic. 

Ensure you understand how to power the bike on and off, activate your turn signals (remember, they don’t turn off automatically like in a car), operate your headlights and high beams, brake effectively, open the seat (often where the gas tank is located), and more.

I learned on the quiet roads of Pai, which was ideal for getting comfortable with the basics. 

Better yet, take a course. I just took a motorcycle course back home and learned SO MUCH (and I’ve already been riding a scooter in Thailand for a while!).

Remember, traffic in Thailand can be unforgiving, so start slow and stay safe.

11. Plan Your Routes in Advance

Let’s talk strategy. Knowing your route before you go offers peace of mind and keeps you from getting lost in the middle of nowhere. 

I always use offline maps because, let me tell you, getting lost in rural Thailand with a dying phone battery is not the kind of adventure you want. I also always carry a fully charged power bank on my scooter adventures.

Planning ahead also means you can pinpoint cool stops along the way, like that hidden waterfall or a quaint local café you’d miss otherwise. 

12. What If You Get Pulled Over

I’ve only ever been pulled over by local Thai police in Chiang Mai. They like to set up police checkpoints around blind corners, so it’s too late to go another way. 

It’s happened to me three times, each leading to a fine for not having the right IDP designation. 

Always be polite and understand that “losing face” is culturally significant in Thailand. Avoid arguing and comply with local laws as much as possible.

13. Get Good Travel Insurance

The main reason I decided to get my motorcycle license wasn’t because of all the fines I got in Chiang Mai (although those were super annoying) – it was because I knew my travel insurance wouldn’t have covered me in case of an accident. 

Now that I’m properly licensed to rent a scooter in Thailand, I can rest assured that I’m fully covered.

Not all insurance policies cover scooter accidents, so choose wisely. 

SafetyWing has been my go-to for this reason.

⛑️ My number one safety tip for travelers, no matter where you’re going or how long your trip is, is to buy SafetyWing insurance to protect your trip.

14. Scooter Safety & Local Traffic Laws

Thailand’s roads can be dangerous, so it’s crucial to prioritize safety. 

Prioritize your safety by always wearing appropriate gear, which, contrary to popular traveler fashion, involves more than just a tank top and flip-flops. 

Sure, I’ve rocked the tourist uniform, too, but a full-face helmet, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes are the real MVPs in protecting you during a ride.

Drive cautiously, especially on wet roads or during adverse weather conditions, and avoid riding at night when visibility is reduced and risks are heightened. Slow down before turns.

Familiarize yourself with Thailand’s unique traffic behaviors. For instance, be aware that overtaking can occur on both sides, and the concept of right-of-way might differ from what you’re used to. 

Always signal your intentions well in advance, and be prepared for sudden stops or changes in traffic flow. 

15. Get Around Thailand Without a Scooter

Finally, it’s totally okay to explore Thailand without ever touching a scooter. 

As your travel godmother, I strongly recommend thinking twice about it – the number of accidents involving travelers riding motorbikes in Thailand is HUGE.

Plenty of other transportation options like Grab, buses, and Songthaews are safer, especially in busy areas like Bangkok. 

So don’t feel pressured to rent a scooter just because it’s popular – your safety should always come first. 

FAQs About How to Ride a Scooter in Thailand

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